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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

To tithe or not to tithe...

With all the arguments and harsh words thrown at pastors when it comes to finances. It is amazing how week after week, the aisles of the churches are still filled up with people, willingly taking their tithes up front to the altar, or dropping the envelopes in baskets passed around. You would think all that would stop with the many 'evils' the church has been accused of in areas of finances.

The rich accomplished man, the barely scraping it together man, the poor student, the office cleaner, the ivy league graduate... there seems to be no duress strong enough to keep the money in the pocket.
On your way to church and on the newsstand is a story glaring at you on how your pastor bought a private jet, and according to the reports, he used your money. He also used your money to build a school even you can't afford to attend, hiking up the fees to make lure you into a rage... but you shrug your shoulder, and smile about the outrage, step into church and give your tithe and offering and any other donation with joy. And people see you do that and call you foolish.

There must be something to this that makes the otherwise enlightened people to still choose to remain foolish. Whatever it is, i don't want to miss out. So if I'm to choose between the wise who refuse to be manipulated to tithe and give offerings in church and the foolish who keep tithing instead of going to the street and filling every poor persons purse with the money. I'll gladly stay on the foolish side. After all, God uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.
If my money is helping buy three more jets, then let it buy... who cares? If you're in so much doubt as to the authenticity of the pastors and their expenditures, then biko... you haven't heard that God fights his own battle, let him be the one to judge.

We talk of feeding the poor. Do you know how many programs some of these churches run for the poor? but of course that's not worth blowing up the internet for. Maybe we'd feel their impact more if they stopped all the charity they do for a couple of months, then we'll know how for a fact they're making a difference. I know churches that have built rehabilitation homes for prostitutes, former druggies and street thugs, churches that send people out to teach skills as they teach Jesus, feed stomachs as they feed the word on the streets.
But you really can't solve all the worlds problem, even Jesus said we'll always have the poor among us. So if they take all your money to spend on feeding the poor, it really wouldn't change anything.
The church has to advance the gospel. The great commission of Jesus was to go into the world and make disciples. Isn't it amazing how the countries that brought Christianity to us have been so decayed, you have to dig through to find their christian heritage? Isn't it funny how those they helped shed the light on are now they same taking the light back to them.

Nigerian pastors are having crusades in foreign countries and you see dozens running to give their life to Christ. I have no problem with that. And personally i think having their own planes helps out a lot. We may question some of these pastors but as Paul said "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.Yes, and I will continue to rejoice. Philippians 1"15-18

So some may wonder why we still remain foolish giving our money to the church... I'm sure Malachi 3:10 has been over flogged, so i wouldn't quote it. Those who give have seen the blessings, that's why the keep ignoring you in your wisdom and continue filling the church baskets.

A guy was so inspired by a Pastor's sermon, he dropped all his cash as offering including this transport fare back home. At the end of service he was begging members of congregation for money. In his presence the Pastor got into his jeep and drove off.

Mehn this issue of tithing sha...I used to be an ardent tither...but I haven't paid my tithe in a couple of months...I suddenly lost the urge to....maybe it came from my pastor talking about all the 2,000,000 countries he has visited (with his family, of course). Or maybe it came from seeing his exotic cars with personalized plate numbers....I really don't know oh!

All I know is that I haven't tithed in a few months...and I don't even know how I feel about that!

@unveilinggold: i was watching TBN the other day on some 'prophet' i feel shdnt be shown at all cos we all have doubts abt him and his ministry, but funny enough, i found myself getting something out of the sermon. SO as much as we've judged him,and many have denounced him. the word is still preached even if people are lured in for the wrong reasons. Probably what Paul was trying to point out.

@Ade & Deep soul well,it's unfortunate we have people like that hiding behind the walls of the church. personally i think you need to find yourself a new church if you don't trust your pastor, why sit to listen to him if you're convinced he's a scam? Giving your tithe/offering is a choice, we shouldn't do it out of some legalistic pressure, but cos we're willing to. The bible says to 'work' out your own salvation... do what you think is right.